#BANGON SUGBOHOL 3 Biz groups to raise funds for Cebu typhoon victims

CEBU, Philippines - Companies spanning from different industries expressed their intentions to help typhoon victims through donations, distribution, accommodation and transport of relief goods and assistance to typhoon victims. 

The #Bangon SugBohol Movement that was initially formed to help the earthquake victims has agreed to focus more on providing assistance to the Northern Cebu as their top priority.

This was announced by Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) disaster coordinating committee head Regan Rex King who shared that the chamber decided to celebrate their 110th anniversary through a fund-raising event dubbed as the “#Bangon SugBohol” part 3 to be organized next week.

Key business organizations in Cebu, civic groups, non-government organizations and other institutions gathered to be part of the #Bangon SugBohol Movement that aims to pool resources to raise funds and life-giving supplies. It was the Islands Group headed by its president, Jay Aldeguer, that started the advocacy campaign entitled #Bangon SugBohol.

King also raised the chamber’s suggestion to the provincial government to put up a command call center that would gather the particular needs of the affected families of the typhoon.

“This could help speed up the recovery of Cebu and create a better impact since we would know who are the families who have not yet received help,” he said.

CCCI also offered help to the government to transport relief goods from individual and group donors to the northern part of  Cebu.

Mandaue Chamber of  Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Philip Tan said that both international and local organizations have expressed interest to help the typhoon victims.

He, however, said that these concerned groups could not send relief goods if there has been no clearance certifying that the roads to be accessed in typhoon-hit areas are already safe.

2GO Shipping, one of the country’s logistics providers, offered free shipment of relief goods from government agencies, private organizations and non-government organizations engaged in relief operations.

Relief goods will be transported on board SuperCat from Cebu to Ormoc three times a day and on board a bigger 2GO ship twice a week.

The three daily trips via SuperCat are scheduled at 5:30 am, 11 am and 4:30 pm while the St. Anthony de Padua vessel will carry the goods every Monday at 8:30 am and every Friday at 12:30 pm.

The relief goods should be brought and registered at the 2GO relief  drop-off  center  relief  at  Pier 4 passenger terminal.

2GO officials further remind donors to prepare the people who will be receiving the relief goods once arriving in Ormoc.

AirAsia Zest, in collaboration with Tune Hotels, initiated a donation and relief drive aimed at helping typhoon-hit areas in central Philippines.

Dubbed as “To Philippines With Love,” the campaign involves free airlift of goods and transport for accredited rescue, humanitarian and medical workers. The airline company is freeing up cargo space on its domestic and international flights for delivery of  relief  goods.

Since November 9, the Filipino low-cost carrier has been operating humanitarian flights to Cebu and Kalibo carrying uniformed policemen, relief goods, medical and rescue workers in coordination with various government agencies, local and international aid organizations and non-government organizations.

Also, Tune Hotels extends its complimentary hotel accommodations to accredited aid workers and individuals who shall assist in relief efforts.

Tune Hotels operates in six areas across the country include Quezon City, Makati, Ermita in Manila, Angeles in Pampanga, Cagayan de Oro, and Cebu City. Requests will be handled centrally via the AirAsia Zest operation centre.

Donations are accepted at AirAsia Zest cargo office in Manila and will soon be extended to all AirAsia and AirAsia X regional network in ASEAN countries including China and Australia.

The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) - CSR committee and PMAP Foundation, in cooperation with the Philippine National Red Cross, are accepting drinking water donations for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) Task Force Rescue Operation further welcomes donations for the affected communities while Ariva! Events Management, Inc. commits to donate financial help to the typhoon victims. /JOB (FREEMAN)